Marea, the upscale Italian seafood restaurant located on Central Park South, reopened last fall after undergoing subtle renovations to repair flood damage. The restaurant has now announced plans to expand its brand worldwide by partnering with Major Food Group, a premier restaurant group based in New York.
Under the partnership, Marea’s owner, Altamarea Group, and Major Food Group will collaborate to open new Marea restaurants in cities across the United States and abroad. Notably, Major Food Group will not be involved in the existing Marea restaurant in Manhattan or the upcoming location in Beverly Hills, California. Altamarea Group will retain full ownership of these establishments.
“We’ve always loved the Marea brand and are excited to expand it into the larger world,” said Mr. Zalaznick of Major Food Group.
The decision to form the partnership came after approximately a year of negotiations. Although the financial details were not disclosed, both groups expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity to broaden Marea’s presence. Miami is expected to be the first location for a new Marea restaurant, as Major Food Group already has a strong presence there.
Marea, known for its meticulously crafted pasta and seafood dishes, first opened in 2009 in the same space formerly occupied by San Domenico, a Michelin-starred restaurant from Italy. The restaurant has since established itself as a revered destination for fine dining in New York City.
As part of the expansion, Marea will continue to emphasize its commitment to excellence in Italian cuisine. Mr. Zalaznick remarked, “For us, it’s the beginning of an evolution. We’re looking at bringing other legacy brands into our company.”
Overall, the partnership between Altamarea Group and Major Food Group represents an exciting new chapter for Marea as it seeks to share its culinary expertise with a wider audience both domestically and internationally.
Historic Background:
Marea, an upscale Italian seafood restaurant, first opened its doors in 2009 in New York City. The restaurant quickly gained recognition for its exceptional cuisine, drawing inspiration from the rich traditions of Italian cooking. In 2021, Marea announced plans to expand its brand worldwide through a strategic partnership with Major Food Group, signaling an exciting new phase of growth and opportunity for the acclaimed restaurant.